Your neighborhood Florist since 1981. Flowers & Plants delivered throughout Greater Boston.
Quintessential Valentine’s Day flowers for your sweetie. Mixed roses in red, light pink and hot pink with accents of phalaenopsis and vanda orchid blossoms, gathered together in a rounded bottom, white glass vase.
15x12” as shown
Designed + hand delivered by our staff within our Delivery Zone.
Say “I love you” simply and beautifully with this lush arrangement of deep red roses, highlighted by textural accents of deep green gardenia foliage in a white, rounded bottom, glass vase.
Available with 18 or 36 stems of roses.
36 Roses as Shown in image 14x17” as shown
Designed + hand delivered by our staff within our Delivery Zone.
A beautiful token of affection. Hot pink roses, fragrant lavender hyacinth & hot pink freesia, light pink hydrangea, highlighted by rolled aspidistra leaves, soft green eucalyptus and a vanda orchid blossom accent, designed in a gray glass vase.
12x13” as shown
Designed + hand delivered by our staff within our Delivery Zone.
An arrangement that truly displays the sweet sentiments of affection. Featuring soft pink hydrangea, Pink Expression roses, Rosanella spray roses, accents of white wax flower and an Ocelot vanda blossom with soft green eucalyptus foliage nestled together into a peachy ceramic container.
13x12” as shown
Designed + hand delivered by our staff within our Delivery Zone.
An exquisite display of your deep desire. Fragrant lavender hyacinth & hot pink freesia, paired with mixed hot pink standard & spray roses, a magenta vanda orchid in a bed of light pink hydrangea, with deep green gardenia foliage accents. The stems are artfully clustered together in a black ceramic vase.
19x19” as shown
Designed + hand delivered by our staff within our Delivery Zone.
Shout your love from the rooftops…or send them this showstopping arrangement to convey your deepest emotions. Hot pink roses, two-toned Gervase amaryllis, light pink cymbidium & Ocelot vanda orchids are exquisitely paired with soft blue-green eucalyptus foliage and rolled aspidistra leaves. This lush design is delivered in a tall black glass cylinder vase.
23x34” as shown
Designed + hand delivered by our staff within our Delivery Zone.
Here’s everything to know about the amazing florist and event designer, Preston Bailey. from Thursd.!
A renowned event planner also known as one of the worlds best floral couturiers tells you all about his career in the flower industry.
By: THURSD. | 11-01-2023 | 9 min read
Preston Bailey transforms spaces into theatrical environments with his spectacular flower ideas. He has created some of the most extravagant weddings and events in the world and still has the drive to empower everyone who wishes to follow the same career path.
This renowned Hollywood floral couturier chats exclusively on Thursd about his take on the floral industry. You will learn about his personal journey of becoming a master wedding and event planner with an absolute love for flowers. His trend-setting flower confession will reveal more about Preston’s innovative artistic eye.
Preston Bailey is a Panamanian floral designer and party planner who has worked in the floral art industry for over thirty years. He currently resides in New York, but this does not prevent him from working all over the world.
Floral artist Bailey began working in the industry at the age of 19 during a period of economic hardship. His friend, the designer Vicente Wolf, assisted him by offering him a job creating floral compositions for his clients. It was at this point that he discovered his exceptional knack for managing flowers and making figures at this time. During this time, he met actress and television host Joan Rivers, who introduced him to Oprah Winfrey, one of the personalities responsible for developing his career.
If you ask anyone, Preston Bailey is probably, and without a doubt one of the biggest event gurus in the world. He specializes in various types of events like:
Known for his extraordinary ability to transform spaces into theatrical environments, by using the most recent technologies in the marketplace.
Renowned artist with his larger-than-life public exhibits. His art has appeared in many countries across the world.
Corporate Events, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Showers, Anniversaries, etc.
Dedicated to supporting and remaining accessible to the industry initiated the idea for his PB Protege program, a series of specialized masterclasses that offer mentorship and education to industry professionals at all levels.
The designer specializes in large-scale event decoration. Bailey has the ability to generate a one-of-a-kind, magical atmosphere. His creative powers are so excellent that he only charges for his ideas, so they don't get stolen, which the media claims has already occurred to him.
He has national and worldwide acclaim, which is why he now undertakes more than "in situ" decoration. Bailey teaches decorating and event planning classes. In addition, the designer has written multiple books about event decoration as well as his inspiration, which is important in this industry. See also '15 Best Floral Instagram Accounts to Follow.'
Preston Bailey's clientele includes politicians, fashion designers, and even well-known actors... Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump, Jennifer Hudson, Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Liza Minelli, and the previously mentioned Joan Rivers and Oprah Winfrey are among the most noteworthy. Read how he has risen among the stars!
Before giving you all the deets on Preston Bailey and why he's known worldwide for his work and everything he does, let's get into a little background check about him.
First of all, we’re in awe of all the prettiness that you and your team design. Can you tell us something that is still on your wishlist? Anything floral- and/or business-related?
"There are two things on my wish list: a. As a legacy, hoping to be opening a business that deals only in events that are affordable to all. b. Hoping to one day Art-Direct a Netflix movie."
The initiative of the Preston Bailey education program is to support others and strives to remain accessible to the industry. Where does your drive for community, transparency, and tutoring come from?
"That drive comes from a place of reminding folks, that even though we do these over-the-top jobs and work with many celebs, billionaires, etc. That it is not us. Personally, I started this business because I needed a job. I happen to be a high school dropout. My main purpose is to empower everyone who wants to follow their dreams or a similar path as mine. Through the program, I am showing them that it is totally doable. You just need to be hungry enough and be willing to work hard."
What would you say is a flower confession that most people don’t know about you or wouldn’t expect?
"That, after many years of working with amazingly fresh flowers, I am also very comfortable with working and embracing some amazing silk flowers. Especially the ones which are handmade in France. Each one of these blooms looks like a piece of art."
Growing up, what is your first memory of anything floral? Why did you choose flowers and what was it that made you stick with them as the main element in your work?
"I grew up in Panama and I wish I could tell you that I grew up loving flowers, but that's far from the truth. As I said, I came into the flower world by accident. A good friend of mine recommended to try working with flowers, and to my surprise, I discovered something that I absolutely loved. Let’s face it, working with flowers is working with perfection and this could be very seductive. I am sure all of my floral friends might agree.
The reason flowers became a main element in my work is simple; certain artists use paint to create their art, I use flowers to create my art installations."
What was your biggest challenge when starting your business? Would you say not being a florist from origin has influenced your career path?
"My biggest challenge when starting my business was charging properly. I still think this is a huge challenge in our industry. Unfortunately, most clients do not understand the effort that goes into creating an event. And of course, working with flowers created this amazing journey in life of becoming an artist and an event designer."
In floriculture, the title ‘Master Florist’ relates to the fact of having an education and/or certification accredited by a school or institution. Can you tell us your vision on this and how this relates to your own path in floristry and your Protégé Program?
"Simple, I think in order to call yourself a “Master Florist” there are a few very specific tools and mechanics that you need to learn. In our classes, I am very diligent in teaching these mechanics. Most importantly I try to make it accessible. Once you have these basic mechanics at your disposal, it's up to the artist to create their own floral design universe."
You set the bar for event designers worldwide. As an author of multiple books, a personality, a tutor, and running a big core staff at Preston Bailey Entertainment Design, how do you find the time to create yourself? And, would you say you are still involved in every event?
"I think one of the most important disciplines for any artist, is to make time every day to work on your crafts. For at least twenty-five years, I have gotten up at five in the morning, I work out, meditate, pray, write, and work on new design ideas. I love that time of the day, I always feel that the creative juices are more alive during those moments. Of course, other people might work better at night. My point is simple, in this very busy and demanding world, if you want to create something, you have to book it into your daily schedule. Within my company, I have two jobs. One is to design and the second is giving my clients the best service possible. Once my design is finished, I turn it over to the production department and I always keep a very close eye on how it is coming to life."
One part of your education program is ‘Preston Bailey Live!’ which you hosted at the Legacy Castle in New Jersey. Can you share with us an anecdote from your career that was a learning experience, one which you would share with your attendees during this event?
"The biggest lesson I learned is, that I wish I had more time and energy to spend with all my 150 students. I feel so honored that they are there to learn from me and meet me. Also, I run my classes like a serious university; I keep away from the usual flow that is common in many conferences. My only goal for the students is to take home as much useful information as possible. My associates accuse me of being too rigid with the full schedule, but I intend to keep it like that."
Can you tell us where you buy your flowers?
"We get our flowers from FMI Farms and Rosa Express."
Which type of flower has ever surprised you and can you tell us in which sense?
"Orchids! I love that there are hundreds of different varieties. I love the idea of discovering a new orchid."
Your art installations are there to enjoy by the general public so that everyone can enjoy your over-the-top florals as often as they please. Can you walk us through the process of setting up such an art installation?
"In this process, there are three steps: a) We design it. b) We produce it. c) We Install it."
If you could pick one floral designer that inspires you to take a stroll through Paris with and pick their brain – who would that be?
"That would be Daniël Ost, with which I’ve already had the pleasure of working and I think he is brilliant."
If you have not yet seen Preston Bailey's work before, you're missing out big time on one of the most famous and exquisite flower designers known for his extraordinary ability to transform spaces into theatrical environments, by using the most recent technologies in the marketplace.
Featuring an appealing brownish pink nude color, this rose was the center of attention in Tom de Houwer's masterclass.
By: THURSD. | 10-01-2023 | 5 min read
Tom De Houwer is a well-known international floral artist from Belgium, teaching and mentoring florists and floral creatives from all over the world. On this occasion, Tom shares how Decofresh's lovely roses - including Rose Moccachino - consistently demonstrate the correctness and beauty of these flowers. All in all, I am keen to share what my masterclass was all about.
"The beautiful roses of Decofresh always prove you right,"
says De Houwer. For the past four years, Tom has preferred Decofresh Roses for his floral designs. The first year for the centerpiece was at Fleuramour 2018, where he used around 5,600 Ever Red roses in his design. Another yearly event is Hoogstraten in Groenten en Bloemen, where the roses are even used outdoors - proving their quality is absolutely reliable.
After twenty years of experience, Tom has bundled his knowledge in a 6-day Masterclass: Bloom Up. Where students fly over to Belgium from all over the world. He teaches new techniques for designing but also about how to discover or rediscover your authentic path as a floral creative and designs a plan that resonates with it. It’s much more than a flower design course; this masterclass gives you clarity on your life as a whole.
In every Bloom Up masterclass of Tom De Houwer, the students get a mystery assignment where they execute a large-scale design on a secret location with the guidance of Tom himself. This year, however, was an exceptional edition. Castle Zellaer, a breathtaking venue near Mechelen, granted the opportunity to decorate their iconic baroque-styled dining room.
The students and Tom would turn this room into a decor for 'The King’s Daughter’s Wedding Rehearsal Dinner’ in only one day. With a dining table, a backdrop, and some bridal bouquets, this room just asked for this setup.
"Decofresh Flowers approached me confidentially about the release of this new kind of rose, with the opportunity to collaborate. Of course, I was very flattered by this opportunity and started brainstorming right away. I always try to connect the dots in the circumstances at hand to maximize every situation - a strategy I teach my students in my 4-day masterclass as well. And so I came up with the idea to let my students work with these roses in a large-scale design during the Masterclass,"
says Tom. At the end of the day, the room was photographed professionally since exposure as a designer is key as well.
"This way, my students learn to market their business and work. A floral design is temporary, as a picture is forever."
A full day they spent gathering leaves from the castle’s gardens, sawing, screwing, and sticking until the décor was finally finished after ten straight hours of labor. About 800 beautiful pink-brown roses were being plugged in between autumn leaves.
A very realistic approach to designing was shown to the students as improvising and last-minute action is a must-have skill in the industry. Every designer will be confronted with unforeseen circumstances at least once in their career, where the true design skills and personality of a designer are being put to the test.
"It’s definitely not standard to have a lot of preparation time where you can analyze the location, to measure all you need and think everything through in advance,"
according to Tom. But he strongly emphasizes that when concerns large-scale-event-design, you should always be as prepared as possible, and ready for improvisation if necessary. The first takes dispelling the other practice. The students and Tom experienced the pressure of the deadline, the collection of other decoration materials and flowers at the wholesaler, the improvisation, stress management, and effective teamwork.
The going-in experience part is another essential component of the masterclass. It allows students to feel and analyze what the specific circumstances are doing with them and how they react. What works for them and what does not work for them? Bringing that real-life experiences will evoke the awareness needed to grow as a creative.
"I did the design of the table and wall decoration myself on the spot, which I usually don’t do. I thought it would be educational for my students to see how this works from my side, see the techniques, and so on. The bridal bouquets were designed by two students, Ekaterina and Keith."
Because of the beautiful - but hard-to-define - color of the brand-new roses, it was challenging to describe them as brown or pink.
"I really love colors that are on the edge of another color. It makes them interesting to combine. The roses are perfect for an autumn wedding, just like this arrangement with matching colors of the castle walls and doors."
But of course, they are ideal for broader usage. The roses were well developed, and both Decofresh made sure they were delivered already a bit opened up. The fine quality of the roses was shown by the longevity of the freshness after being opened up, both by being put in water or foam. Definitely, a plus budget-wise, since a high-quality rose stays fresh very long and takes more space as they open in a beautiful way.
Here’s everything you need to know about edible flowers from Thursd.!
Today, many restaurant chefs and innovative home cooks garnish their entrees with flower blossoms for a touch of elegance.
By: THURSD. | 04-01-2023 | 4 min read
Cooking with edible flowers is back. Not that it ever really went away, because fast forward to almost two thousand years ago and you'll find yourself in the blossom-loving reigns of Julius Caesar, Queen Victoria, and the flower-power days of the '60s where blooms were already a gastronomic delight.
Today, many restaurant chefs and innovative home cooks garnish their entrees with flower blossoms for a touch of elegance. The secret to success when using edible flowers is to keep the dish simple, do not add too many other flavors that will overpower the delicate taste of the flower. Here are some of the best edible flowers to use in your next dish.
If you remember this plant from your childhood, you already know it holds sugary nectar. The blossom also has a sweet taste and achieves a honey flavor without any beehives. Make sure you avoid the berries because they are poisonous. Turn these flowers into a sorbet or jelly by soaking or boiling the blooms to bring out the flavor. You can also infuse the flavoring in cupcakes, then top them with pale yellow flowers as a garnish.
These beautiful blue, star-shaped flowers from the borage plant taste a bit like cucumber, which is why they've been used in salads since The Elizabethan Age. They are also delicious in lemonade and refreshing cocktails like Pimm's Cup and gin and tonic.
With a hint of citrus flavor, these mauve buds are a fun ingredient to bake with. The pungent flower has a powerful taste, so use it in limited quantities. The lilac flavor can spruce up your desserts or drinks, as it is often made into a simple syrup. Remove the tiny buds from the hard stalk that serves as their stem to enjoy them as a garnish or as candied flowers.
Known as the "poor man's saffron," the sunset-hued marigold flower really does taste like saffron when it's sautéed in olive oil to release its flavor. An easy and prolific edible flower that's easy to grow from seed right in the garden. Separate the petals from the center of the flower and sprinkle the petals into salads.
Both tart and sweet, hibiscus petals have a cranberry-like flavor that makes them perfect for teas and cocktails. Drop fresh hibiscus buds into glasses of bubbly and let your guests watch them bloom before their eyes.
Perfect for a romantic gesture, these aromatic flowers can also complement your cuisine. The petals come in many colors, from a bright pink to a deep scarlet, and they also enhance many foods and drinks like jams, salads, tea, and desserts. Their soft but fruity flavor is a welcome treat, with a strawberry or spicy aftertaste depending on the type. You can eat any kind of rose, but the deeper- and darker-hued ones have a stronger flavoring that’s better to cook with.
Blossoms have a peppery flavor like watercress. All colors and varieties are tasty in salads or as garnishes. Leaves can be eaten, too. Nasturtiums make an appetizing pesto, or they can be stuffed like zucchini blossoms. You can pair this flower with many savory dishes like baked lamb shank or roasted potatoes.
Sweet and slightly perfumed-tasting, lavender works well when the buds are sprinkled in champagne and cocktails and over desserts like chocolate cake. Or try it in a lavender peach crisp served with vanilla ice cream.
Pansies
Pansies have a slightly grassy—even minty—flavor, so they work well in herb-flavored summer cocktails and fruit salads. For a quick, easy, and festive summer hors d'oeuvre, spread some cream cheese on a small round cracker and top it with a whole pansy.
Violets, which come in a range of pastel and vibrant colors, have a sweet and floral taste, making them a perfect companion for everything from salads to iced drinks. They are particularly beautiful when crystallized and used to top frosted cakes and other desserts.
Be sure to avoid flowers that have been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals. When purchasing edible flowers, make sure to always get them from the produce section of your grocery store or buy them online. When cooking with edible flowers, clean them by gently washing them in a large bowl of cold water and let them air dry afterward on a paper towel. Use immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel. Bon appetit!
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